Robert Halfon puts pressure on PM Theresa May over Brexit cash for Harlow

THERESA MAY vowed towns across the UK would benefit from a £1.6 billion post-Brexit fund to “transform” communities.

Confirming revelations about the size of the pot earmarked for deprived areas of the country, she insisted Tory areas would benefit alongside Labour ‘Leave’ towns.

She was challenged by Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, amid concerns the fund will be used to “buy” Labour votes for the PM’s Brexit deal by diverting cash into the North.

A formal announcement is due within the coming days.

But Mrs May said: “We will be introducing a fund to ensure that our towns can grow and prosper.

“I can confirm that Harlow, and indeed other towns across England, will be able to propose ambitious plans to help to transform their communities.”

She added: “We will work with the devolved administrations and in Northern Ireland to ensure that towns in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also benefit from town deals.”

The Sun last month revealed that Ministers were drawing up a bumper “Coalfields and Coastal Communities” Fund to win over MPs in “forgotten” parts of the country.

Furious ‘Remain’ Labour MPs immediately accused the PM of trying to bribe backbenchers to back the PM’s deal.

Sources earlier this week revealed the £1.6 billion would be spread over seven years with £87 million earmarked for the Black Country, with nearly £60 million for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire – home to the Bassetlaw constituency of Labour ‘Leaver’ John Mann.